Transonic Combustion Gets Funding for Fuel-Injection Development

With $32 million in Series D funds, Transonic Combustion Inc. is heading down the long road to getting a new technology into a mass-produced car.

The Camarillo, Calif.-based company has developed a fuel injection system that can either decrease a gas-engine-powered car’s emissions, or help burn fuel more efficiently. Both applications are being spurred by recent legislation. In California and Europe new emissions rules were passed, and on the federal level in the U.S. and in Europe, fuel economy standards are being stiffened.

“We have a fairly efficient, straightforward technology to meet the legislation [requirements],” said Wolfgang Bullmer, chief executive of the company.

The company raised its capital from existing investors Venrock Capital, Khosla Ventures , Rustic Canyon and Saints Capital. The funding came in tranches and closed about two weeks ago, said Mr. Bullmer. Existing investors gave funding to the company in order to keep product development going and to not distract it with fundraising and due-diligence from outside investors, said the CEO.

“You have to design the product into the engine, or you have to design the engine together with the fuel injection system. That’s one of the reasons we are on such a long-term timeline,” said Mr. Bullmer.